>

Kenya

© Shutterstock/Thammanoon Khamchalee

Explore Kenya

Kenya's underwater world is as mesmerizing as its famed savannahs. Diving along the country's coast offers a unique experience, revealing vibrant coral reefs, dramatic walls, and historic shipwrecks. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean provide excellent conditions for both novice and experienced divers, with visibility often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet. Popular dive spots include Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park and Watamu Marine Park, where divers can explore the rich biodiversity of the reefs and encounter species like sea turtles, reef sharks, and an astonishing variety of colorful fish.

Liveaboard trips and boat dives are common, allowing divers to explore more remote sites, while shore dives offer easy access to beautiful underwater landscapes. Seasonal changes bring diverse marine life, such as the migration of whale sharks, making each dive a unique adventure. Kenya's diving scene is not just about the marine ecosystem; it also includes a blend of cultural encounters with coastal communities, adding depth to the overall experience. Whether you're drifting along coral gardens or exploring a sunken wreck, diving in Kenya provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of the ocean.

Power Plug Type
G
Payment Method
VISA, MC, AMEX
Tipping
5–10% / Service Staff & Guides / Tipping is expected in restaurants, hotels, and tours; amount may vary based on service quality
Airports
NBO, MBA
Currency
KES
Dial Code
+254
Electricity
240 V / 50 Hz
Time
UTC+3

Top Regions to Explore

Upcoming Events

Dive Centers

Dive Sites

Top Wildlife Sightings in Kenya

Kenya's marine ecosystems, particularly along the Indian Ocean coastline, are rich with diverse marine life. Common reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish populate the vibrant coral reefs, offering divers a colorful underwater spectacle year-round. These species are abundant and can be seen in popular diving spots like Watamu and Malindi Marine Parks.

Seasonal highlights include the migration of whale sharks, primarily sighted from November to March. Green and hawksbill turtles are also commonly encountered, especially around designated conservation areas like the Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve. Additionally, manta rays and various types of reef sharks can be seen at certain times of the year, enhancing the diving experience. Being aware of these seasonal patterns increases the likelihood of encountering these majestic creatures.

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

Green Turtle

Green Turtle

1.5k Sightings
J
123
F
121
M
188
A
140
M
62
J
69
J
115
A
165
S
103
O
151
N
114
D
164

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Moray Eel

Moray Eel

1k Sightings
J
101
F
104
M
169
A
74
M
37
J
47
J
46
A
66
S
49
O
107
N
100
D
100
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle

666 Sightings
J
62
F
54
M
83
A
89
M
26
J
33
J
27
A
44
S
47
O
57
N
59
D
85

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Octopus

Octopus

490 Sightings
J
49
F
44
M
91
A
34
M
15
J
15
J
30
A
31
S
42
O
63
N
40
D
36

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 27

Barracuda

Barracuda

125 Sightings
J
18
F
18
M
17
A
9
M
8
J
3
J
4
A
6
S
11
O
6
N
9
D
16

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

Wrasse

Wrasse

121 Sightings
J
22
F
25
M
28
A
5
M
1
J
2
J
4
A
4
S
5
O
3
N
16
D
6
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

48 Sightings
J
5
F
8
M
3
A
4
M
0
J
3
J
0
A
8
S
4
O
5
N
3
D
5
Common Dolphin

Common Dolphin

41 Sightings
J
14
F
3
M
2
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
1
S
6
O
7
N
1
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Clownfish

Clownfish

859 Sightings
J
85
F
94
M
146
A
65
M
18
J
39
J
45
A
92
S
55
O
91
N
72
D
57

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

Lionfish

Lionfish

845 Sightings
J
83
F
94
M
129
A
69
M
19
J
40
J
46
A
81
S
43
O
78
N
72
D
91

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Angelfish

Angelfish

671 Sightings
J
83
F
96
M
107
A
49
M
11
J
28
J
30
A
70
S
39
O
63
N
37
D
58

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish

629 Sightings
J
86
F
81
M
94
A
52
M
14
J
19
J
30
A
57
S
32
O
62
N
49
D
53

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

Parrotfish

Parrotfish

595 Sightings
J
69
F
75
M
115
A
31
M
12
J
27
J
32
A
43
S
37
O
59
N
42
D
53

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish

567 Sightings
J
64
F
79
M
95
A
45
M
4
J
13
J
19
A
43
S
25
O
53
N
63
D
64

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Bannerfish

Bannerfish

521 Sightings
J
44
F
75
M
94
A
33
M
14
J
19
J
24
A
43
S
36
O
60
N
34
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Pufferfish

Pufferfish

489 Sightings
J
59
F
49
M
65
A
48
M
12
J
25
J
27
A
36
S
30
O
46
N
47
D
45

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish

462 Sightings
J
65
F
47
M
58
A
31
M
7
J
26
J
20
A
46
S
27
O
54
N
35
D
46

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

Stingrays

Stingrays

454 Sightings
J
49
F
33
M
49
A
32
M
12
J
22
J
26
A
44
S
35
O
45
N
32
D
75

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish

452 Sightings
J
46
F
52
M
62
A
33
M
22
J
21
J
33
A
48
S
30
O
43
N
28
D
34

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts

431 Sightings
J
61
F
59
M
79
A
24
M
5
J
13
J
26
A
24
S
20
O
44
N
18
D
58

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Triggerfish

Triggerfish

383 Sightings
J
42
F
27
M
69
A
21
M
4
J
20
J
27
A
35
S
26
O
47
N
30
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

Boxfish

Boxfish

378 Sightings
J
51
F
33
M
60
A
21
M
12
J
16
J
13
A
19
S
17
O
50
N
51
D
35

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

301 Sightings
J
31
F
42
M
80
A
20
M
4
J
8
J
3
A
9
S
22
O
41
N
17
D
24

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Soldierfish

Soldierfish

290 Sightings
J
49
F
40
M
55
A
15
M
5
J
8
J
8
A
31
S
16
O
21
N
22
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Goatfish

Goatfish

285 Sightings
J
42
F
45
M
50
A
25
M
0
J
8
J
11
A
21
S
13
O
19
N
18
D
33

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

Snapper

Snapper

234 Sightings
J
28
F
51
M
53
A
16
M
3
J
4
J
12
A
13
S
10
O
14
N
14
D
16
Leaf Scorpionfish

Leaf Scorpionfish

197 Sightings
J
18
F
19
M
13
A
17
M
17
J
18
J
24
A
18
S
8
O
11
N
16
D
18

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Damselfish

Damselfish

180 Sightings
J
18
F
28
M
50
A
13
M
3
J
7
J
10
A
9
S
8
O
19
N
7
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shrimp

Shrimp

177 Sightings
J
22
F
22
M
55
A
9
M
1
J
12
J
7
A
9
S
4
O
16
N
8
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets

156 Sightings
J
30
F
21
M
34
A
7
M
1
J
0
J
5
A
6
S
14
O
9
N
8
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Stonefish

Stonefish

141 Sightings
J
21
F
6
M
20
A
10
M
5
J
6
J
10
A
3
S
3
O
24
N
13
D
20

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster

139 Sightings
J
13
F
9
M
20
A
11
M
2
J
3
J
2
A
1
S
11
O
27
N
21
D
19
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark

118 Sightings
J
7
F
4
M
9
A
13
M
7
J
9
J
9
A
12
S
19
O
11
N
8
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Lobster

Lobster

100 Sightings
J
18
F
12
M
17
A
2
M
0
J
3
J
2
A
7
S
4
O
20
N
8
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

Jackfish

Jackfish

98 Sightings
J
20
F
19
M
10
A
4
M
4
J
0
J
7
A
0
S
3
O
5
N
12
D
14

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Snake Eel

Snake Eel

93 Sightings
J
22
F
4
M
23
A
1
M
3
J
1
J
0
A
4
S
1
O
7
N
6
D
21

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish

86 Sightings
J
16
F
14
M
13
A
9
M
2
J
1
J
3
A
7
S
6
O
3
N
6
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Garfish

Garfish

86 Sightings
J
19
F
12
M
23
A
6
M
0
J
2
J
1
A
2
S
6
O
11
N
2
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish

82 Sightings
J
21
F
7
M
11
A
0
M
0
J
3
J
5
A
7
S
5
O
9
N
6
D
8

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Cornetfish

Cornetfish

71 Sightings
J
4
F
7
M
8
A
13
M
5
J
11
J
4
A
2
S
6
O
4
N
4
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Sand Eel

Sand Eel

66 Sightings
J
12
F
6
M
20
A
6
M
2
J
1
J
2
A
6
S
0
O
3
N
6
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

Crab

Crab

58 Sightings
J
8
F
11
M
25
A
2
M
0
J
4
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
5
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

Cuttlefish

Cuttlefish

51 Sightings
J
5
F
4
M
10
A
11
M
3
J
1
J
0
A
3
S
3
O
3
N
2
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Guitarfish

Guitarfish

43 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
0
M
6
J
2
J
10
A
8
S
6
O
5
N
0
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Skate Fish

Skate Fish

38 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
2
A
10
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
13
N
8
D
0

Curated by Interest

Events by Lifestyle Category

Underwater Beginner